Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
Not for federal tax alone: with no employees and no excise tax, it can use the owner's number. The IRS says most new single-member LLCs still need one, for example to open a bank account or when state tax law requires it. A foreign owner can't apply online and uses Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or the IRS international line.
The forms involved
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
Was this page helpful?
Get the plan for your business in Los Angeles
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders